A MANCHU MILITARY OFFICER'S CEREMONIAL ARMOR 'DINGJIA', comprising a padded silk waist-length jacket, two-panels wraparound skirt, two shoulder plates, a gilt and silvered metal circular plate attaching across the center front opening of the jacket, an associated helmet of funnel shape with reticulated metal mounts and three side flaps, the silk of dark blue colour with brass studs allover and gold-wrapped thread embroidered roundels containing four-clawed dragons at the centers of the chest, back, skirt panels, and shoulder plates, the shoulder plates trimmed with gilt-metal panels incised with dragons, the costume further ornamented with narrow blue and white brocade ribbons and black velvet edging, lined in sky-blue silk. Qing dynasty, 19th century, length of coat c. 70 cm, length of skirt c. 101 cmNOTE:The armor has been worn by the Cavalry Brigade Banner, responsible for protecting the imperial palace in Beijing